The morning sun broke over the horizon, casting a warm glow on the ryokan where third-year students gathered, buzzing with anticipation and anxiety alike.
"Listen up, everyone!" announced Mr. Takeda, their teacher, his voice breaking through the murmur of students. "We're heading to Nara today. Be sure to catch the Kintetsu Kyoto Line!"
Among the crowd stood Ryoma, Horio, Kachiro, and Katsuo, their camaraderie tinged with tension following a confrontation the night before.
Heisuke, standing far apart with Ai from the same class, cast a lingering glare at Ryoma, a silent promise of unresolved conflict hanging in the air. Meanwhile, Sakuno remained blissfully unaware of the brewing storm, chattering lightly as Tomoka discreetly observed her friends. She had caught wind of Heisuke's anger and shot worried glances toward him and Ryoma throughout the journey.
As they stepped off the train, the enchanting vibes of Nara enveloped them. They stowed their bags at the Nara ryokan and were soon given the freedom to explore the serene beauty of the ancient city. Tomoka, having sensed the palpable unease, quickly suggested to Ai that they join the boys, hoping to diffuse the tension.
Stepping into Nara Park, they were greeted by curious deer roaming freely, their gentle eyes shimmering in the sunlight. The boys could see Heisuke from afar, engaged in a soft conversation with Sakuno as they fed the deer. Horio glanced at Tomoka, concern shadowing his features. "Are Ryuzaki and Ookami not coming with us?" he asked, nearly feigning nonchalance.
Tomoka's response was both evasive and knowing. "Ookami wants some time alone with Sakuno. They won't follow us," she said, her gaze drifting back to the pair. Ryoma, however, smoothed his expression, choosing to walk ahead without acknowledging the growing divide within the group. With a sigh, Tomoka decided to drift toward a different path with Ai, leaving the boys to their tumultuous thoughts.
Before long, they found themselves visiting the revered Todaiji Temple and the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, marveling at the history tucked within every corner, yet distracted by the mental chaos each experienced.
After that, they walked to the Nara National Museum. There, Ume spotted Ryoma, Horio, Kachiro, and Katsuo. With a bright smile, she approached them, her intentions sweet but veiled in awkwardness. "Hey, guys! Mind if I join you?"
"Yeah, sure I guess." Said Horio.
While Kachiro and Katsuo enthusiastically conversed with her, Ryoma barely acknowledged her presence, thoughts swirling around the turmoil in his heart. After a few moments of strained chatter, Ume turned her attention solely to Ryoma, summoning a flicker of hope. "Can you let me and Echizen-kun have a moment alone?"
Horio hesitated, glancing at Kachiro and Katsuo for support. "I don't know. I don't think Echizen will like that…"
"Please, I just want to be friends!" she insisted, her eyes wide with determination.
With a sigh and a reluctant nod, Horio stepped aside with Kachiro and Katsuo, partly out of curiosity and partly out of guilt for what he felt Ryoma needed to confront. "I'm sorry, Echizen," he whispered to himself, hoping Ryoma would handle the situation without making it more complicated.
As Ryoma drifted away from the group, he felt Ume's presence close behind him. "Where did everyone go?" he asked, attempting to mask his unease.
"They're exploring other parts," she chirped, unbothered by his lack of enthusiasm. Ryoma remained distant, answering her queries with monosyllabic responses, discomfort simmering beneath the surface.
Their eyes drifted toward the view of Sakuno and Heisuke, who appeared to be sharing a moment of laughter, oblivious to the world around them. Ume remarked, "Look at them! Aren't they adorable together?"
Silence was Ryoma's only response. Unable to bear the sight any longer, he turned on his heel and headed for the exit, Ume trailing behind him, cheerfully persistent despite his disinterest. As he moved toward the exit, Ume grasped his arm tightly, her eyes wide with sudden frustration.
At the same time, Sakuno and Heisuke walked towards the exit too. Sakuno saw Ryoma and Ume locked into tight embrace. Her heart somehow sank as she quickly turned away, feeling a pang of sadness in her chest. She hide behind a nearby pillar and collect her thoughts. Heisuke looked at her with worried face.
"Are you okay?" he asked gently, noting the sheen of unshed tears in her eyes.
"I'm fine," she replied, but her voice trembled, and before she knew it, tears rolled down her cheeks.
Heisuke watched in confusion as her emotional wall crumbled. "You like Echizen a lot, don't you?" he asked, his voice softening.
Sakuno's head hung low, guilt washing over her. "I'm sorry," she whispered, "I didn't mean to…. This is silly. Ryoma-kun didn't do anything, yet I..."
His heart sank. Heisuke knew she battled emotions she often buried and that he could do little to soothe her pain. "It's okay, really." he said, though the truth stung him too.
"Sorry, Ookami-kun. Thanks for today. I need some time alone for a while," Sakuno said abruptly and stepping out into the sunlight. Heisuke felt the sadness grow heavier as he watched her retreating figure.
Heisuke's face turned towards Ryoma and Ume. From a distance, Ryoma's voice pierced through the air.
Ryoma glanced at Ume with an expression that blended annoyance and discomfort. Their conversation had taken a sharp turn, and he felt the weight of her presence bearing down on him.
"Can you let me be? I'm seriously feeling uncomfortable with you," he said, his voice flat.
Ume's brows knit together, hurt flickering across her face. "But I just want to be friends with you!"
"I told you, I'm not interested in getting to know you." His tone was final, but there was a tinge of regret he couldn't shake off.
"What is wrong with me?" Ume's words were laced with disbelief as a blush crept onto her cheeks.
"I don't like people who befriend others with motives," Ryoma replied, his gaze unwavering.
Her shock morphed into anger. "You think I have a motive? What about Ryuzaki? Isn't she just the same?"
Ryoma's glare was like ice. "Don't you ever compare yourself to Ryuzaki. She always uses her own effort without depending on anyone and tries very hard not to hurt others. You have a huge gap compared to her."
The words struck Ume, causing her hands to tremble as she turned away, tears brimming in her eyes. "I... I see." With that, she walked off, leaving Ryoma alone with his thoughts.
"Women really are a headache," he muttered, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
Just then, Heisuke approached him, his expression unfazed but curious. "Is that how you really feel about Ryuzaki?"
Ryoma looked at him. Heisuke continued, "You know, I guess I was wrong about you. I'm sorry for yelling at you yesterday."
"That's okay," Ryoma replied.
Heisuke looked at Ryoma with soft gaze. "I won't care anymore if you want to date Ryuzaki or not, but… just promise me one thing. Don't ever make her cry."
Ryoma fell silent, his heart heavy. Before he could respond, Heisuke pointed in the direction of where Sakuno had run off. "She took that way—go find her."
"Wait, you just left her alone?" Ryoma felt a sudden wave of protectiveness surge within him.
Heisuke merely smirked. "Yeah, because I prefer she be with you."
Ryoma's serious demeanor shifted to urgency, and he dashed off in the direction Sakuno had gone, worrying that she might get lost.
Meanwhile, Sakuno sat near the train station, her heart racing as she checked her phone for directions. "I think Tomo-chan said to take the train to Horyuji Temple…" she murmured, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety wash over her. The train arrived, its doors opening with a welcoming hiss.
However, as the crowd surged, Sakuno found herself being swept along with it, desperately trying to maintain her balance. Suddenly, a firm grip caught her arm, pinning her safely against the wall of the train. She looked up, startled and breathless.
"Ryoma-kun?" she gasped, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Why are you here alone?" he asked, concern etching his features.
"I got separated from Ookami-kun," she stammered, glancing down at her feet. "Aren't you with Ume-chan?"
"She's gone somewhere," he replied curtly, but the warmth in his voice was palpable.
Sakuno felt a flutter in her stomach as she looked up at him, her heart pounding. "I see…"
"Why do you look so down?" Ryoma probed further.
"I'm not," she pouted, not quite believing her own words.
"Then look at me," he insisted gently.
She hesitated, but when their eyes met, caught in those shimmering golden depths, all her sadness began to melt away. An unexpected warmth spread through her, the scent of him enveloping her senses, calming her racing heart.
"There, it's better now," he smirked, relishing the effect he had on her. Sakuno smiled back, giggling softly, the sound lifting both their spirits.
"Why did you pick this crowded train anyway?" Ryoma asked, crossing his arms, teasingly.
"I'm not sure," she admitted bashfully, "I just followed the map."
"I think we will arrive in ten minutes." He said.
As the train screeched to a halt, Sakuno's heart swelled with anticipation. When she stepped off, she was greeted by the excited waves of their friends—Horio, Kachiro, Katsuo, Tomoka, and Ai—all smiling brightly.
Seeing Ryoma with her brought relief to their faces; he seemed lighter, more at ease. Sakuno waved back, her smile radiant.
"Hey! We were worried!" Tomoka exclaimed, tilting her head playfully. "What took you two so long?"
"Sorry." Sakuno said with giggled. In that moment, even amidst the chatter and camaraderie of their group, she felt a connection with Ryoma that transcended mere friendship. It was something deeper, something unspoken that hung in the air between them.